US4219274A - Apparatus and method for packaging optical fibers - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for packaging optical fibers Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US4219274A US4219274A US05/928,454 US92845478A US4219274A US 4219274 A US4219274 A US 4219274A US 92845478 A US92845478 A US 92845478A US 4219274 A US4219274 A US 4219274A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- reel
- sheath
- longitudinally
- fiber
- optical fiber
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B6/00—Light guides; Structural details of arrangements comprising light guides and other optical elements, e.g. couplings
- G02B6/44—Mechanical structures for providing tensile strength and external protection for fibres, e.g. optical transmission cables
- G02B6/4439—Auxiliary devices
- G02B6/4457—Bobbins; Reels
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H75/00—Storing webs, tapes, or filamentary material, e.g. on reels
- B65H75/02—Cores, formers, supports, or holders for coiled, wound, or folded material, e.g. reels, spindles, bobbins, cop tubes, cans, mandrels or chucks
- B65H75/18—Constructional details
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01M—TESTING STATIC OR DYNAMIC BALANCE OF MACHINES OR STRUCTURES; TESTING OF STRUCTURES OR APPARATUS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G01M11/00—Testing of optical apparatus; Testing structures by optical methods not otherwise provided for
- G01M11/08—Testing mechanical properties
- G01M11/088—Testing mechanical properties of optical fibres; Mechanical features associated with the optical testing of optical fibres
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
- B65H2701/00—Handled material; Storage means
- B65H2701/30—Handled filamentary material
- B65H2701/31—Textiles threads or artificial strands of filaments
Definitions
- the present invention is directed to an apparatus for packaging optical fiber which allows the fiber to be tested while in the packaged condition.
- the invention thus, eliminates the need to unpackage optical fiber as a prerequisite to testing its particular optical properties.
- optical fiber is extremely thin, flexible glass, prepared by drawing glass rods under controlled conditions. Depending upon the specific physical and chemical properties of the fiber, light signals may be transmitted through the fiber with only minimal loss due to attenuation of light through the fiber. To determine whether fiber meets particular transmission specifications, it is necessary to conduct various tests on the fiber. Such tests have been heretofore performed by obtaining a sample of the fiber for testing.
- Optical fiber is typically prepared as a single, continuous fiber which is wrapped under tension around a reel for storage and shipment to avoid slippage. However, testing requires that the fiber be loose since microbending arising from tight winding against the reel surface increases attenuation of light through the fiber.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for packaging optical fiber which allows the fiber to be subsequently tested without the need to unpackage it.
- Still another object of the invention is to provide a method for testing optical fiber wound around a storage reel, without the need to remove it from the reel.
- an apparatus for packaging optical fibers which is comprised of a cylindrical reel and means for mechanically reducing the circumference of the cylindrical reel.
- the optical fiber is wound tightly around the cylindrical reel. This insures that the fiber will remain securely in position on the reel during storage and shipping.
- the circumference of the reel is mechanically reduced, thereby decreasing the tension on the wound fiber and allowing the fiber to be tested while on the reel.
- the circumference of the reel is mechanically returned to its original dimension, thereby increasing the tension on the fiber to its original state which maintains it securely in position for storing and/or shipping.
- any apparatus comprising a cylindrical reel and means for mechanically reducing the circumference of said reel is within the scope of the present invention
- This device is comprised of a cylindrical reel having a flexible sheath fastened to a portion of its surface running in a longitudinal direction from one end of the cylinder to the other.
- the sheath in this manner, defines a longitudinal cavity which is bounded by the sheath and the underlying surface of the reel.
- the sheath houses one or more spacer members which may be removed by sliding them in a longitudinal direction out of the sheath. In this manner, the flexible sheath becomes less rigid and collapsible with a minimal amount of pressure.
- the optical fiber In packaging, the optical fiber is wound tightly around the apparatus with all spacer members in position within the sheath. This insures that the fiber will remain securely in position on the reel during storage and shipping. To test the fiber, it is only necessary to remove one or more of the spacer members from the sheath. This decreases the tension on the wound fiber and allows it to be tested while on the reel. After the tests are performed, the spacer members are re-inserted into the sheath, thereby increasing the tension of the fiber to its original state which maintains it securely in position for storing and/or shipping.
- FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective of the packaging device for optical fiber
- FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the device of FIG. 1, with optical fiber wrapped thereon;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged transverse sectional view, taken on the line 3--3 of FIG. 2;
- FIG. 4 is a modification of the device shown in FIG. 3;
- FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
- the cylindrical reel used in the apparatus of the present invention functions basically as a spool for receiving a single winding of optical fiber.
- the fiber should preferentially not be wound on top of itself as such contact may damage the fiber when unwound for use.
- the diameter and length of the reel is selected so as to allow packaging of the fiber in a single winding.
- reel diameters typically of about 12 inches and lengths of about 12 to 24 inches are employed.
- the reel may be constructed of any suitable material, such as, wood, plastic or cardboard, although from an economical standpoint cardboard is preferred.
- a foamed elastomer such as polyurethane.
- This material cushions the fiber as it is wound and protects it from fracture during storage and transport.
- a covering of about 1/4 inch thickness is sufficient, although a different thickness may be preferred depending upon storage and shipping conditions.
- the reel is mounted upon side supports which are attachable to a winding apparatus which rotates the reel in such a manner as to wind the optical fiber along the length of the reel.
- These side supports are typically flat plates having diameters which are slightly larger than the diameter of the reel, as is typical in spool structures for storing wire cable. In such structures, at least one side support must be given a notch corresponding to the position of the sheath on the reel to allow the spacer members to be removed from the sheath.
- the side supports may be made of any rigid material such as stiff cardboard or wood.
- a flexible sheath which is fastened longitudinally to the surface of the reel so as to form a collapsible cavity which runs over the length of the cylindrical reel upon which the optical fiber is wound.
- This may be the entire length of the cylinder or only a portion thereof.
- the sheath may be made of any non-rigid material, such as, plastic, cellophane, paper or fabric.
- the cavity defined by the sheath and the surface of the reel is basically crescent-shaped having dimensions of about 2 to 3 inches across and about 1/4 to 3/4 inches in height at the apex. However, it is to be understood that particular dimensions may be selected to suit particular testing requirements.
- the surface of the reel enveloped by the sheath may be given a grooved configuration corresponding to the curved ends of a spacer member. This configuration facilitates the introduction and removal of the spacer member from the sheath.
- the spacer members used in the device of the present invention may be constructed from a variety of rigid materials including, plastic, wood, hard rubber, cardboard, etc. Again, primarily for economic reasons, cardboard is preferred.
- the spacer members are securely positioned in the sheath and the optical fiber is tightly wound around the reel. In this manner, the fiber is secured against the reel for safe handling.
- the spacer members are removed from the sheath, thereby decreasing the circumference of the reel and correspondingly decreasing the tension on the optical fiber. In this loosened condition, the fiber may be tested without removing it from the reel.
- spacer members When more than one spacer member is housed within the sheath, they may be removed sequentially to obtain different levels of tension until the desired level is obtained. After testing, the spacer members are re-inserted into the sheath and the fiber is returned to its taut, packaged condition.
- FIG. 1 depicts a packaging device in accordance with the present invention composed of a cylindrical reel 10 which is formed from a cardboard tube 11 which is provided with an elastomeric foam coating 12 and notched side supports 15. Sheath 13 is fastened to the surface of the reel, running longitudinally from one end of the reel to the other. Sheath 13 houses spacer member 14 which may be slid out of the sheath to decrease the circumference of the reel as previously described.
- Optical fibers 16 are wound around the reel as illustrated in FIG. 2.
- FIG. 3 depicts a cross-sectional view of the device of FIG. 1 with the spacer member in position within the sheath.
- FIG. 4 represents an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which the spacer member 24 is inserted within grooves 26 in the surface of reel 20 formed by cardboard tube 21 having elastomeric foam coating 22.
- the grooved configuration facilitates entry and exit of spacer member 24 from sheath 23.
- FIG. 5 illustrates the use of a plurality of spacer members 34 which may be sequentially removed from the sheath 33 to provide varying levels of tension for the wound fibers.
- the apparatus depicted in the Figures of Drawing thus, provides a method for testing optical fiber wound around a storage reel without the need to remove a sample of the fiber from the reel.
- this apparatus represents a preferred means for conducting the testing method, it is understood that any cylindrical reel containing means for mechanically reducing its circumference would be operable.
- a cylindrical reel provided with a screw mechanism whereby the circumference is increased or decreased by adjusting a screw-type device would function effectively in the method of the invention.
Abstract
Description
Claims (12)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US05/928,454 US4219274A (en) | 1978-07-27 | 1978-07-27 | Apparatus and method for packaging optical fibers |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US05/928,454 US4219274A (en) | 1978-07-27 | 1978-07-27 | Apparatus and method for packaging optical fibers |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US4219274A true US4219274A (en) | 1980-08-26 |
Family
ID=25456254
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US05/928,454 Expired - Lifetime US4219274A (en) | 1978-07-27 | 1978-07-27 | Apparatus and method for packaging optical fibers |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US4219274A (en) |
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4445649A (en) * | 1981-06-15 | 1984-05-01 | Northern Telecom Limited | Adjustable reel |
FR2621571A1 (en) * | 1987-10-13 | 1989-04-14 | Thomson Csf | COIL FOR OPTICAL FIBER AND METHOD FOR COILING WITHOUT OPTICAL FIBER STRESS |
US6883744B2 (en) | 2001-11-19 | 2005-04-26 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Spool for optical fiber media |
US20050139723A1 (en) * | 2003-12-08 | 2005-06-30 | Couchey Brian P. | Spool having reversing spiral guide |
US20060024015A1 (en) * | 2002-04-19 | 2006-02-02 | Tadao Arima | Optical fiber reel module and winding method therefor |
GB2422593A (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2006-08-02 | Deva Composites Ltd | Web-winding core |
US7257280B1 (en) | 2006-08-16 | 2007-08-14 | General Instrument Corporation | Method and apparatus for monitoring the security of an optical cablelink during installation |
US20100034506A1 (en) * | 2006-08-09 | 2010-02-11 | ADC Telecommunications, Inc.. | Cable payout systems and methods |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US753344A (en) * | 1904-03-01 | Geokge s | ||
FR1145624A (en) * | 1956-03-12 | 1957-10-28 | Contractable support device for textile windings | |
US3522700A (en) * | 1968-10-23 | 1970-08-04 | Leesona Corp | Method and apparatus for processing yarn |
-
1978
- 1978-07-27 US US05/928,454 patent/US4219274A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US753344A (en) * | 1904-03-01 | Geokge s | ||
FR1145624A (en) * | 1956-03-12 | 1957-10-28 | Contractable support device for textile windings | |
US3522700A (en) * | 1968-10-23 | 1970-08-04 | Leesona Corp | Method and apparatus for processing yarn |
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4445649A (en) * | 1981-06-15 | 1984-05-01 | Northern Telecom Limited | Adjustable reel |
FR2621571A1 (en) * | 1987-10-13 | 1989-04-14 | Thomson Csf | COIL FOR OPTICAL FIBER AND METHOD FOR COILING WITHOUT OPTICAL FIBER STRESS |
EP0312444A1 (en) * | 1987-10-13 | 1989-04-19 | Thomson-Csf | Bobbin for optical fiber and method for winding the optical fiber without tension on the bobbin |
US5071082A (en) * | 1987-10-13 | 1991-12-10 | Thomson-Csf | Spool for optic fiber and method for winding without stress on optic fiber |
US6883744B2 (en) | 2001-11-19 | 2005-04-26 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Spool for optical fiber media |
US20060024015A1 (en) * | 2002-04-19 | 2006-02-02 | Tadao Arima | Optical fiber reel module and winding method therefor |
US20050139723A1 (en) * | 2003-12-08 | 2005-06-30 | Couchey Brian P. | Spool having reversing spiral guide |
US7237746B2 (en) | 2003-12-08 | 2007-07-03 | Sonoco Development, Inc. | Spool having reversing spiral guide |
GB2422593A (en) * | 2005-02-01 | 2006-08-02 | Deva Composites Ltd | Web-winding core |
US20100034506A1 (en) * | 2006-08-09 | 2010-02-11 | ADC Telecommunications, Inc.. | Cable payout systems and methods |
US8121456B2 (en) * | 2006-08-09 | 2012-02-21 | Adc Telecommunications, Inc. | Cable payout systems and methods |
US7257280B1 (en) | 2006-08-16 | 2007-08-14 | General Instrument Corporation | Method and apparatus for monitoring the security of an optical cablelink during installation |
US20080044179A1 (en) * | 2006-08-16 | 2008-02-21 | General Instrument Corporation | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring the Security of an Optical Cable Link During Installation |
US7389010B2 (en) | 2006-08-16 | 2008-06-17 | General Instrument Corporation | Method and apparatus for monitoring the security of an optical cable link during installation |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TIMES FIBER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:005308/0602 Effective date: 19900508 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TIMES FIBER COMMUNICATIONS, INC., CONNECTICUT Free format text: RELEASED BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANKERS TRUST COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:006376/0615 Effective date: 19921222 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, NEW YORK Free format text: SECURITY INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TIMES FIBER COMMUNICATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:006375/0719 Effective date: 19921222 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TIMES FIBER COMMUNICATIONS, INC., CONNECTICUT Free format text: RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY;ASSIGNOR:BANKERS TRUST COMPANY;REEL/FRAME:007319/0272 Effective date: 19950104 |